Which place is cheaper, Koh Phi Phi or Ubud?
These are the overall average travel costs for the two destinations.
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Should you visit Ubud or Koh Phi Phi?
Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?
Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Ubud and Koh Phi Phi. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.
Where Should I go: Ubud or Koh Phi Phi?
Ubud
Made popular by the film Eat Pray Love, Ubud is located in the uplands of Bali, Indonesia. Beautiful Hindu temples and iconic rice fields are the sight to see in this popular cultural, artistic and religious hub on the island.
Though Ubud is hot and humid during the day, it is still cooler than coastal areas. Still, temperatures linger between mid-70's and low 90's year-round, so it is likely you'll experience warm weather, regardless of when you visit.
Ubud's wet season is from November to June, which makes it an unpopular time for travelers. January and February are when Ubud experiences the heaviest rainfall, so it may be wise to avoid visiting at this time, especially since weather will limit activities, bring out insects, and cause landslides and possible flooding.
Dry season runs from July through October, which is high season for travel. Even during dry season, Ubud is extremely humid, so pack lightweight clothing that breathes and lots of sunblock.
Koh Phi Phi
The islands of Koh Phi Phi, off the coast of southwestern Thailand, are very popular with travelers because of their unrivaled tropical scenery, clear blue waters, relaxing atmosphere, and undersea attractions. However, in the last decade, Koh Phi Phi has seen a huge surge in tourism, adding to the crowds and pollution of the main (and only populated) island, known as Koh Phi Phi Don.
For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Romantic Tours for Couples in Indonesia, The Best Budget Tours to Indonesia, Tours for Outdoor and Nature Lovers in Thailand, and The Best Coach Bus Tours in Thailand.
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Average Daily Cost Per person, per dayUbud $150Koh Phi Phi $72
The average daily cost (per person) in Ubud is $150, while the average daily cost in Koh Phi Phi is $72. These costs include accommodation (assuming double occupancy, so the traveler is sharing the room), food, transportation, and entertainment. While every person is different, these costs are an average of past travelers in each destination. What follows is a categorical breakdown of travel costs for Ubud and Koh Phi Phi in more detail.
Accommodation
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Accommodation Hotel or hostel for one personUbud $133Koh Phi Phi $40
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Accommodation Typical double-occupancy roomUbud $266Koh Phi Phi $80
Compare Hotels in Ubud and Koh Phi Phi
Looking for a hotel in Ubud or Koh Phi Phi? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options and compare which is best for your budget and travel style.
Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world. Compare prices for multiple destinations when planning your next trip.
Our Analysis
We've analyzed the average and typical hotel prices based on guest reviews, star ratings, and hotel amenities here: Ubud Hotel Prices and Koh Phi Phi Hotel Prices.
Local Transportation
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Local Transportation Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.Ubud $1.82Koh Phi Phi $6.89
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Ubud
Some specific examples of transportation prices in Ubud:
- All Inclusive:Bali to Gili Islands | Snorkeling + Transfers + Stay-3Days/2Nights: $299
- Private Tour 3 Day Exploring Bali Including Airport Transfer And Lunch: $297
- 4 Days Bali Tour with ATV Ride and Airport Transfer: $262
- Bali Budget 5 Days, Tours & Air Port Transfers : $237
- Bali New Kuta Golf Package with Private Transfer: $205
- Private Tour: Amazing 3 Days Bali Sightseeing Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $170
- 2 Days 1 Night Bali Nusa Penida Private Tour with Transfer: $165
- 3 Days Bali Tour Package with Airport Transfer: $164
- Actively enjoy marine sports / Seawalker + Selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $162
- Actively enjoy marine sports / popular flyboard + selectable marine sports (parasailing, etc.) round-trip hotel transfer included: $162
- Actively enjoy marine sports / 4 types of marine sports to choose from (parasailing, jet skiing, etc.) / Round trip hotel transfer included: $162
- 1 DAY Enjoy Lembongan Island! Snorkeling + mangrove exploration + sightseeing on the island such as the scenic spot "Devil's Tears" / marine sports enjoyment banana boat / transfer included: $131
Typical Local Transportation Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Below are a few samples from actual travelers for transportation costs in Koh Phi Phi:
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Ferry to Maya Beach (for 2)$15
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Longboat Taxi$2.73
Hired Cars and Shuttles in Koh Phi Phi
Also for Koh Phi Phi, here are a few examples of actual transportation services:
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket VIP Speed Boat Transfer: $22
- One-Way Departure Transfer from Phi Phi Island (Speedboat) to Phuket Airport : $52
- Speedboat Transfer Phi Phi Tonsai to Phuket with Dropoff Service: $25
- Superfast Transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Krabi by Arisa Speed Boat: $28
Is it cheaper to fly into Ubud or Koh Phi Phi?
Prices for flights to both Koh Phi Phi and Ubud change regularly based on dates and travel demand. We suggest you find the best prices for your next trip on Kayak, because you can compare the cost of flights across multiple airlines for your prefered dates.
Food
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Food Meals for one dayUbud $12Koh Phi Phi $11
Food Tours and Cooking Classes in Ubud
Also, here are some specific examples of food and dining related activities in Ubud.
- Canggu: Drag Show with Dinner: $10
- Jimbaran Bay Sunset Dinner with Discount Voucher and Return Transport : $12
- Munduk authentic cooking class & banyumala waterfall: $19
- Uluwatu Sunset & Romantic Dinner: $20
- Balinese Traditional Cooking Classes with Market Tour: $22
- Balinese Traditional Cooking Class with Market Tour: $22
- Ubud Cooking : All Inclusive Cooking Class: $23
- Balinese Cooking Class and Market Tour with Transfers: $23
- Cooking Class with Transfers and Optional Market Visit: $23
- Balinese Cooking Class with Hotel Transfers: $26
- Best of Ubud with Cooking Class Experience: $26
- Jimbaran Beach Candle Light Dinner : $26
Typical Food Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are some examples of typical meal expenses from previous travelers to Koh Phi Phi:
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Crepe$1.64
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Sit Down Lunch$9.27
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Casual Lunch$5.73
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Coconut Donut$0.27
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Lunch at Mexican Restaurant (for 2)$11
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Sit Down Dinner$14
Entertainment
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Entertainment Entrance tickets, shows, etc.Ubud $10Koh Phi Phi $45
Tours and Activities in Ubud
Here are a few actual costs in Ubud for available activities, ticket prices, and tours:
- 1 DAY Valley Trekking at Hidden Canyon Bejiguwang + Sightseeing/Private Tour 8 Hours/English/Japanese Driver Included: $37
- All Inclusive Tour in Nusa Lembongan Islands : $145
- BALI INSTAGRAM TOUR Private Tour with Wifi onboard: $87
- Bali : Best Private Day Tour with Private Driver : $26
- Bali : Customized Tour Sekumpul Waterfalls & Handara gate Heaven: $36
- Bali : Mount Batur Sunrise Jeep 4WD Experience: $38
- Bali PrivateTanahlot Sunset Tour: $110
- Bali Royal palaces (observe tour): $88
- Barong Dance and Waterfall tour in Bali: $35
- Best Ubud Tours -All inclusive with private driver: $35
- Best of Ubud Tours with Jungle Swing ( All Inclusive ): $83
- Gate Of Heaven Lempuyang Temple Tours with Blue Lagoon Snorkeling: $35
Typical Entertainment Prices in Koh Phi Phi
For Koh Phi Phi, here are some examples of average entertainment and activity prices from previous travelers:
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Kayak Rental$8.18
Tours and Activities in Koh Phi Phi
Also, here are some specific examples of entertainment, tickets, and activities for Koh Phi Phi.
- Ferry from Phi Phi Islands to Phuket with Dropoff Service by Royal Jet Cruiser: $13
- Phuket Trick Eye 3D Museum Admission Ticket: $14
- Phi Phi Island To Phuket By Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Koh Phi Phi to Phuket by Phi Phi Cruiser: $17
- Phi Phi Island Half Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $18
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $20
- Phi Phi Islands Sunset Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $21
- Phi Phi 7 Islands Full-Day Tour From Phi Phi by Longtail Boat: $27
- Wonderful Phi Phi Islands Highlights Tour: $50
- PHI PHI ISLAND - Sunrise Trip From Phi Phi Don By Phi Phi Local Tour: $53
- Snorkeling Phi Phi Islands Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
- Half Day & Sunset Phi Phi Island Tour From Phi Phi by Speedboat: $57
Alcohol
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Alcohol Drinks for one dayUbud $6.88Koh Phi Phi $5.66
Typical Alcohol Prices in Koh Phi Phi
Here are a few samples of the prices for alcohol and nightlife in Koh Phi Phi from other travelers:
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Mojito Bucket$14
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Banana Daiquiri$5.46
When we compare the travel costs of actual travelers between Ubud and Koh Phi Phi, we can see that Ubud is more expensive. And not only is Koh Phi Phi much less expensive, but it is actually a significantly cheaper destination. So, traveling to Koh Phi Phi would let you spend less money overall. Or, you could decide to spend more money in Koh Phi Phi and be able to afford a more luxurious travel style by staying in nicer hotels, eating at more expensive restaurants, taking tours, and experiencing more activities. The same level of travel in Ubud would naturally cost you much more money, so you would probably want to keep your budget a little tighter in Ubud than you might in Koh Phi Phi.
If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Ubud Expensive? and Is Koh Phi Phi Expensive?.
Which is Bigger, Ubud or Koh Phi Phi?
Ubud has a larger population, and is about 30 times larger than the population of Koh Phi Phi. When comparing the sizes of Ubud and Koh Phi Phi, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.
Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.